The Wyoming Cowboys wrapped up their fifth fall practice of 2026 at War Memorial Stadium, a milestone that brings the program one step closer to its inaugural full padded workout scheduled for Tuesday.
Head coach Jay Sawvel took the opportunity to assess the squad’s progress, singling out the offense’s improved playmaking and the defensive unit’s added depth as bright spots heading into the next phase.
The quarterback room, a blend of veteran talent and promising newcomers, features Tyler Hughes, who earned third‑team All‑CAAs at William & Mary before joining Wyoming, along with Landon Sims, Mason Drube, and the injured Taylor Hasselbeck, while freshman Tyler Franklin brings a strong collegiate track record.
Hughes, the first player in school history to eclipse both 2,000 passing yards and 600 rushing yards, posted a 66% completion rate, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2025 while also contributing 670 rushing yards and 11 scores.
Sims, who missed much of the previous season with an injury, returned to fall camp and finished a recent scrimmage 6‑of‑8 for 38 yards and a touchdown, adding 97 rushing yards and another score.
Drube, a redshirt freshman, saw limited action in three games, including a start against Hawaii, where he completed 20 of 38 passes for 187 yards.
Hasselbeck, a summer injury victim, will miss the 2026 campaign, opening opportunities for the remaining signal‑callers to vie for snaps.
Freshman recruit Tyler Franklin arrives with a career tally of 4,831 passing yards, 47 touchdowns and over 500 rushing yards, carrying a 60% completion rate into his first collegiate practices.
Quarterback Competition Takes Shape
The upcoming padded session will provide the first true test of contact readiness, allowing coaches to evaluate how the quarterbacks handle pressure and how the defensive line utilizes its new depth.
With the roster’s blend of experience and youthful energy, the Cowboys aim to translate their offensive improvements into tangible results when the lights turn on for full‑speed drills.